At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Job Summary:
This internship is designed to provide STEM students in their baccalaureate years with experience working with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Applied Water Science Laboratory team, which includes microbiology, chemistry, and instrumentation. Additionally, the program seeks to increase the diversity of scientists involved in conservation and aquatic animal science.
Students will assist water science laboratory staff with instrument calibration and maintenance, daily rounds, chemistry and microbiology testing, and participate in laboratory safety training, as required. They will also observe and assist applied water science staff, including aquatic life support operators, data management, and the environmental discharge management to facilitate a better understanding of these aspects of applied water science at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The student is required to design, implement, and present a final project pertinent to the Aquarium and Applied Water Science at the conclusion of the internship.
The work environment includes, but is not limited to, behind the scenes areas, the Water Science Laboratory, and office time. It may include work in wet, slippery areas, hot and humid areas, variable temperatures, and varying weather conditions. Locations may also vary between the Monterey Bay Aquarium, various off-site facilities, and field sites around Monterey Bay.
Eligibility:
Successful Applicants should be:
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master's degree program or within one year post-graduation
- In good academic standing
- Able to work safely in a laboratory environment utilizing handheld laboratory tools, such as pipettes
- At this time, we can only consider applicants who are authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this internship.
Internship Dates & Pay Rates:
The Applied Water Science Internship is offered in the summer through fall of 2026 for up to 480 hours. Interns may choose either two (preferred) or three eight hour days per week or a combination of half and full days to accommodate class schedules. Weekend work is unavailable as the lab operates Monday-Friday.
Hourly rate: $18.00 USD
Application Period
Applications are due by 11:59pm PST on February 20, 2026. Early submission of applications is encouraged. Selections will be announced in March 2026.
Application Documents to Upload:
- Resume/CV
- Letter of Interest*
- Two Letters of Recommendation
*Your Letter of interest should include:
- What experience you have
- What you hope to gain from the opportunity
- How you heard about the opportunity
- Your career goals
- Your field(s) of interest in Applied Water Science
- How your selection will help achieve enhanced diversity in the profession
A complete application includes a resume or CV, a letter of interest, and two letters of recommendation. Applications that do not include all required materials will not be considered.
Please note: the Laboratory Manager may not always be on site in which case you will be completing your placement alongside the Applied Water Science teams.
College credit may be available. Please refer to your college/university's student services division.
Please direct all questions and inquiries to lknottek@mbayaq.org.
